Former FBI Director James Comey recently found himself at the center of a heated controversy over an Instagram post that was interpreted by some as a cryptic endorsement of violence against former President Donald Trump. Comey, who was relieved of his duties by Trump in 2017, faced criticism and scrutiny after sharing a beach photo displaying shells arranged to represent the number “86”. It drew national attention, with interpretations suggesting a hidden message of violence due to the slang term '86' which can imply to 'get rid of' or in extreme interpretations, 'to kill'.
Amidst the uproar, Comey broke his silence in an interview with MSNBC's Nicole Wallace. He explained that the post's origin was not only benign but also familial. According to Comey, his wife, with a background in the restaurant industry, was the one who suggested the photo and explained that '86' was industry jargon for an item no longer available. Comey recounted, “We stood over it and I said, I think it’s some kind of political message and she said, ‘86 when I was a server… meant to remove an item from the menu when you ran out of ingredients.’”
However, the post's timing could not have been more sensitive, as it followed two assassination attempts against Trump in 2024, causing alarm among officials and supporters. High-profile individuals, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, condemned the post, with Gabbard calling for Comey's arrest and a Secret Service investigation.
In his defense, Comey stated he was unaware of the violent connotations attached to '86' and promptly removed the post to distance himself from any association with violence. The U.S. Secret Service conducted an interview with Comey, which he described as professional, reflecting on the numerous investigations he has faced since his departure from the Trump administration.
The term '86' is defined by Merriam-Webster as slang for 'to throw out' or 'to refuse service to', and notes a less common and unofficial interpretation as 'to kill'. Comey, reflecting on his relationship with Trump, said, “I’m in some strange way, the relationship he can’t get over,” acknowledging the ongoing tension between them.
Trump, in a Fox News interview, insisted Comey knew the implications of his actions, stating, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant. If you’re the FBI director and you don’t know what that meant, that meant assassination.” He deferred questions about potential consequences for Comey to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
This incident has reignited discussions about the boundaries of political speech and the responsibilities of public figures in communicating on social media. While the intentions behind Comey's post remain debated, it underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in the digital age.
